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Jaylen Warren Competing for Touches Once Again With the Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers 27-year-old running back out of Oklahoma State, Jaylen Warren, finds himself in another timeshare backfield in 2026, even after the Steelers moved on from Kenny Gainwell and brought in 28-year-old Rico Dowdle. Warren finished the 2025 season as the RB16, with 211 carries for 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He contributed through the air as well, hauling in 40 of his 45 targets for 333 yards and two touchdowns. It was Warren's best season of his professional career, which spans four years. New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and Dowdle spent time together in Dallas in 2024, and Dowdle has now put together back-to-back seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and five or more total touchdowns. Warren figures to maintain his primary role as the pass-catching back; however, the goal-line work and the timeshare between the two will be sorted out as training camp continues. Neither back is expected to take the lion's share of work, making both backs valuable in what figures to be a run-heavy, short, intermediate passing offense with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers still under center. Warren remains a valuable fantasy asset in both redraft and dynasty formats heading into the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Garrett Mitchell Remains a Power/Speed Threat to Target on the Waiver Wire
Entering play on Monday, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell had hit .272/.361/.446 with eight home runs, 48 RBI, 46 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 343 plate appearances. The oft-injured Mitchell has finally managed to stay mostly healthy in 2026, and he's emerged as a steady contributor in Milwaukee. Mitchell's 32.2% strikeout rate is a red flag in his profile, and his batting average has been buoyed by a heavily inflated .403 batting average on balls in play. However, Mitchell makes elite contact, as he's logged a 14.2% barrel rate and a 49.5% hard-hit rate. His ability to consistently hit the ball hard should keep his batting average from completely bottoming out, and Mitchell remains a high-upside power/speed threat to target on the waiver wire as long as he can continue to avoid the injury bug.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cole Kmet Seeing His Value Decline in All Formats
Chicago Bears 27-year-old tight end Cole Kmet saw a significant decrease in production last season as the Bears drafted Colston Loveland 10th overall in the 2025 NFL draft last season. Kmet finished as the TE7 in 2022 and 2023, with his fantasy production driven by volume and touchdowns: he scored 7 touchdowns in 2022 and 6 in 2023. During the 2025 season, Kmet only saw 48 targets and hauled in 30 of them for 347 yards and two touchdowns. While the Bears have an elite offense, the passing attack is projected to run through second-year wideout Luther Burden III and third-year receiver Rome Odunze to go along with Loveland, who broke out in a massive way in the second half of last season. Kmet's value hinges mostly on Loveland's health, and Kmet finds himself entering the 2026 season as a strong drop candidate in dynasty formats and going undrafted in a lot of fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Grant Taylor Has Arrived as a Must-Add Reliever
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor has been one of the better relievers in baseball so far this season, recording a 2.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 74 strikeouts, four wins, and five saves across 52 1/3 innings (39 games). Chicago has been hesitant to deploy Taylor as its full-time closer in 2026, preferring to utilize him in a fireman role. However, the 24-year-old has notched three saves in July and could be securing the team's ninth-inning role. Even if Taylor does not see every save chance for the White Sox the rest of the way, he should remain a valuable reliever for fantasy managers to roster. Taylor is averaging 98.3 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted a 34.9% strikeout rate and a 26.4% K-BB rate. In leagues where he is available on the waiver wire, Taylor profiles as a must-add pitcher.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ian Seymour a High-Upside Starting Pitching Target on the Waiver Wire
After opening 2026 as a reliever, Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Ian Seymour was moved into more of a bulk role in early June. While Seymour has not exclusively operated as a full-time starting pitcher, he's thrown at least three innings in each of his last 10 outings, making six starts in that span. Across those 10 appearances, Seymour has recorded a 3-2 record with a 4.22 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has posted an impressive 28.1% strikeout rate and a 19.3% K-BB rate for the season. His inflated ERA is a symptom of his abnormally low 66.5% strand rate, which could regress closer to the mean over a larger sample size of innings. Now that he's a threat to rack up wins on a regular basis, Seymour could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dyami Brown Not a Draft Target in All Fantasy Formats
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown is back in Washington for the 2026 season, where he began his NFL career, coming off a season in Jacksonville in 2025, where he hauled in 20 of his 37 targets for 227 yards and one touchdown. While he had an impressive 11.35 YPR, he finished the season as the WR114 and, through his five-year career, has never finished a season better than WR99. For his career, he has 79 receptions, 1,011 yards, and five touchdowns through the air. He finds himself in a position to fight for a starting spot in a thin Commanders wide receiver room, as Terry McLaurin is the clear wide receiver in the room to go along with Brown, Van Jefferson, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and third-round pick Antonio Williams. However, it will be an uphill battle for the 26-year-old, and he should not be on fantasy managers' radar in any formats as we enter draft season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Heriberto Hernandez Emerging as a Priority Power Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 271 plate appearances this season, Miami Marlins outfielder Heriberto Hernandez is hitting .245/.314/.482 with 15 home runs, 41 RBI, 28 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The 26-year-old has been scorching hot of late, hitting .296 with six home runs across 77 plate appearances in July. Hernandez's batting average upside is limited by his elevated 25.2% strikeout rate. However, the young slugger has posted elite batted-ball metrics this season, logging a 13.2% barrel rate and a 51.1% hard-hit rate. Hernandez has also established an everyday role in left field and in the heart of the Marlins lineup in recent weeks, which should help him rack up counting stats. With his combination of high-end power upside and solid speed, Hernandez profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tanner Scott Still a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target Despite Likely Role Shift?
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Tanner Scott has put together an excellent season so far in 2026, pitching to a 2.32 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 16 saves across 42 2/3 innings (45 games). The 32-year-old took over as the primary closer in Los Angeles early in the season when Dodgers right-hander Edwin Diaz (elbow) landed on the injured list due to elbow surgery. Diaz is scheduled to return from the IL on Wednesday, which could render Scott no longer a useful source of saves for fantasy managers. However, Diaz recorded a 10.50 ERA across seven games before getting hurt and is now attempting to jump back into a pennant race following a major elbow injury. Even if Diaz returns to his usual full-time closer role, Scott should remain an excellent source of ratios and could pick up an occasional save. In deeper fantasy leagues, Scott may still have utility as a waiver wire pickup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Seahawks Plan to Waive Kenny McIntosh
The Seattle Seahawks plan to waive injured running back Kenny McIntosh (knee), sources told Brady Henderson of ESPN. The 26-year-old former seventh-round pick in 2023 from the University of Georgia started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered during camp last summer. McIntosh didn't play at all for Seattle last year after carrying the ball 31 times for 172 yards and zero touchdowns on the ground in 20 games (zero starts) in his first two years in the NFL. He added three catches for 22 yards as a pass-catcher in 17 regular-season games in 2024. McIntosh will need to prove he's recovered from his serious knee injury a year ago for any other NFL teams to show interest in him before the start of the 2026 campaign as running back depth. He's well off the fantasy radar right now in all leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Rookie Jordyn Tyson "Checks All the Boxes" for a Wide Receiver
Despite seeing minimal on-field work during the offseason program as he managed a prior hamstring injury suffered in college, New Orleans Saints rookie first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has impressed the team's coaching staff, per John DeShazier of the team's official website. The Saints took Tyson early in the draft in an attempt to give All-Pro wideout Chris Olave some help, and he can play both outside and in the slot. "He has attributes that you look for in a wideout," receivers coach Keith Williams said. "He has good size, good speed, he's sudden, he's a 'hands' catcher, he's athletic, he's got good run-after-the-catch. He checks a lot of the boxes that you look for in a wideout." Quarterback Tyler Shough said in mid-July that Tyson should be "firing on all cylinders" for training camp and the preseason after a hamstring injury cut short his final collegiate season at Arizona State in 2025. The 21-year-old will be intriguing in both redraft and dynasty/keeper drafts in his first NFL campaign for his size and after-the-catch abilities. There could be enough volume for both Olave and Tyson for Tyson to be a weekly WR3/flex option for fantasy managers, even in 12-team formats.
Source: NewOrleansSaints.com - John DeShazier
Source: NewOrleansSaints.com - John DeShazier
Tyler Glasnow to Throw at Least One More Live Bullpen Session
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) threw around 25 pitches, with his fastball sitting at 95-97 mph, during a live bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Friday, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Glasnow will throw at least one more live session before he goes on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 32-year-old veteran hasn't pitched with the Dodgers since May 6 due to lower-back issues. He is getting closer, but Glasnow will most likely need around two or three rehab starts before the Dodgers feel comfortable returning him to their starting lineup for the stretch run. Remember, the Dodgers' primary goal is to have all their injured stars ready for the playoffs in October, so they will not rush Glasnow back. In a best-case scenario, he might be back for fantasy managers in early September. Before getting hurt, the former All-Star was looking great with a 3-0 record, 2.72 ERA (3.26 FIP), a 0.83 WHIP, and a 49:13 K:BB in 39 2/3 innings over just seven starts. Glasnow is being stashed in an IL spot in 88% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Maikel Garcia Starting Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia (hand) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday, the team announced on Monday. Barring a setback with his hand injury, Garcia could be ready to rejoin the big-league roster this weekend or early next week. He's been out for over a month with a muscle strain in his left hand, which has limited him to 69 games in his fifth year in the majors with KC. After Garcia was a first-time All-Star in 2025, he has disappointed in 2026 with a .261/.320/.373 slash line, .693 OPS, only three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 294 plate appearances. He was just four home runs away from his first 20-20 campaign last year, though, and his power/speed abilities have kept him rostered in 81% of Yahoo leagues despite his lengthy IL stay. Garcia has had at least 23 stolen bases in each of the last three seasons with the Royals, so fantasy managers are hoping that he'll start to run more the rest of the way after he's activated.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
George Pickens Officially Arrives for Cowboys Training Camp
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens officially arrived in Oxnard, California, on Monday for the start of the team's training camp, according to NFL.com. Pickens signed his franchise tag for the 2026 season and will make $27.3 million this year. Despite a career year in 2025 in his first year in Dallas, the Cowboys want to see the 25-year-old run it back in his second year with the team. The former second-rounder in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the University of Georgia caught 93 of his 137 targets last year for a career-high 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games (15 starts). Pickens was the Cowboys' leading receiver, getting a boost from CeeDee Lamb missing three games due to injury. He will have plenty of motivation for another big year as he heads into free agency next March, and the Cowboys' pass-happy offense could support both Pickens and Lamb once again. Lamb is probably the safer high-upside WR1 pick in fantasy, but after Pickens' big 2025, he is also going to be taken as a WR1 in the early rounds of fantasy drafts this fall.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Esmerlyn Valdez Leaves Early on Monday After Being Hit in Wrist Area
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez (wrist) left Monday's game early against the Arizona Diamondbacks after he was hit by a pitch in the left wrist area in the fourth inning, according to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. Before leaving the contest early, Valdez went 0-for-1 at the plate. He was replaced in right field by Tyler Callihan, who moved from first base. Valdez will almost certainly go for X-rays on his hand/wrist to determine if he's dealing with any cracked bones. The 22-year-old Dominican outfielder has burst onto the scene in the Steel City in 2026 in his first year in the big leagues, as he came into Monday's series opener with a .293/.385/.707 slash line, 1.092 OPS, 14 home runs, 36 RBI, and 26 runs scored in 37 games across 143 plate appearances. His strong start to his MLB career has earned him an everyday role and has made him one of the most popular recent waiver-wire pickups in fantasy baseball leagues. For now, we'll consider Valdez day-to-day until we know more about his hand/wrist injury. UPDATE: Valdez is expected to undergo more imaging on Tuesday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Kevin Gorman.
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
Jamal Adams Signs With the Vikings
Three-time All-Pro safety Jamal Adams is signing an undisclosed deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz. The 30-year-old former sixth overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2017 NFL draft out of LSU moved from strong safety to linebacker last year with the Las Vegas Raiders and recorded 45 tackles (30 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in 17 games (four starts) in his ninth year in the league. Last year was the first time since 2018 that Adams played in every regular-season game. The veteran defensive back was once one of the most attractive safeties in IDP fantasy leagues because of his ability to come up in the box and defend the run, but because of injuries and his move to linebacker, he's no longer on the fantasy radar in those formats. Adams has 22.5 sacks in his nine-year career, but has had just one sack since the start of the 2021 season.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Joc Pederson Becoming a Waiver Priority After Two-Homer Game
Texas Rangers outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson continued his strong month of July on Monday in the team's 7-3 win over the division-rival Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field, going 2-for-4 as the team's leadoff hitter with two home runs, four RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .254 and his OPS to .856. The 34-year-old left-handed slugger's damage came early, as he hit a leadoff homer against right-hander George Kirby before blasting a three-run homer in the second inning. Pederson now has two multi-homer games in 2026 and 22 in his career. The two-homer performance extended his current hitting streak to 10 games, during which he's gone 14-for-36 (.389) with five home runs, nine RBI, and a stolen base. Pederson is now slashing .254/.343/.513 with 19 home runs after the two-time All-Star hit just nine homers in 96 games played in 2025 in his first year with the Rangers. For his power stroke from the left side, Pederson needs to be considered as a waiver-wire pickup in more mixed leagues. He's currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chris Brooks Placed on NFI List to Start Training Camp
The Green Bay Packers placed running back Chris Brooks (undisclosed) on the Non-Football Injury list on Monday for the start of training camp, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. It's a bad start for Brooks this summer as he looks to compete for a backup role with MarShawn Lloyd behind starter Josh Jacobs, but he can be activated from the NFI list at any time during camp. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent out of BYU has seen just 82 rushing attempts in his three years in Green Bay for 395 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and one touchdown in 41 games played (zero starts), adding 24 receptions for 160 yards as a pass-catcher. If healthy, Lloyd probably has the leg up for the RB2 role in Green Bay behind Jacobs, but Lloyd has already had a pretty lengthy injury history in his short time in the NFL. Barring another injury to Lloyd before the start of the 2026 season, fantasy managers in all single-year formats can continue to ignore Brooks.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Jaguars Host Zay Jones for a Visit on Monday
The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted free-agent wide receiver Zay Jones (Achilles) for a visit on Monday, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. Jones, a former second-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in the 2017 draft from East Carolina, spent his ninth year in the NFL in 2025 with the Arizona Cardinals and had only 12 receptions on 18 targets for 183 yards and zero touchdowns in eight games played before he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 10. If the 31-year-old veteran were to land in Jacksonville, he'd be hard-pressed to see the field much in what is already a pretty crowded receiver room with the likes of Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter. Jones had a career-high 823 receiving yards and 82 receptions on 121 targets in 2022 with the Jaguars, so it would be a reunion with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. His career high of seven touchdowns came all the way back in his second year in the league with the Bills in 2018 in 16 games played. Jones will remain off the fantasy football radar in the vast majority of leagues, even if he signs with the Jaguars during training camp.
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
49ers Quarterback Praises Rookie Receiver De'Zhaun Stribling
San Francisco 49ers rookie second-round wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling has quickly impressed quarterback Brock Purdy in training camp, according to Matt Lively of CBS Sports. Purdy said Stribling has paid close attention to the details of his routes and has "done a good job of studying" and "being on top of it." The 49ers' signal-caller went on to say that Stribling has proven that "he's reliable," while adding that it's also Day 2 of camp. Many draft pundits thought the Niners reached quite a bit for Stribling with the first overall pick of the second round in this year's NFL draft, but so far, he has backed it up. The 49ers have future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall in their receiver room as well, so Stribling still has a lot to prove. But those who took a chance on Stribling in dynasty/keeper leagues have to be happy with the early returns this summer. He mostly stands out for his speed on offense, but it might take an injury for Stribling to become fantasy relevant in standard 12-team leagues in 2026. RotoBaller currently has the Ole Miss product ranked as the No. 78 fantasy WR for the upcoming season.
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Lively
Source: CBS Sports - Matt Lively
Reds-Guardians Game Postponed on Monday
The contest between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians on Monday in Cincinnati has been postponed due to inclement weather and will be made up as the first game of a split doubleheader on Tuesday, July 28, according to the Reds. Reds right-hander Chase Burns and Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi will both most likely be pushed back to start Game 1 of Tuesday's twin bill. The 23-year-old Burns has been a must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues in 2026 in his first full year in the majors after going 12-1 with a 2.42 ERA (3.34 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 124 strikeouts and 39 walks in 107 2/3 innings pitched across his 19 starts. In his three starts in July, Burns has allowed only five earned runs in 16 innings, but he also has 10 walks and 12 strikeouts, so he hasn't been exactly as sharp as earlier in the season. Still, he should be started everywhere on Tuesday. Cecconi is 4-7 with a 4.60 ERA (4.48 FIP), 1.45 WHIP, and 82:34 K:BB in 103 2/3 frames and 20 starts in his fourth year in the majors. We'd recommend fading him after he allowed 15 runs (11 earned) on 22 hits (three homers) in 13 1/3 innings in his three starts in July.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Vita Vea Requests Trade From Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea has requested a trade from the team after failed attempts at a contract extension, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The 31-year-old former 12th overall pick in 2018 from the University of Washington is getting ready to enter his ninth year with the Bucs in what is the final year of the four-year, $71 million deal he signed with the team in January of 2022. Vea is scheduled to make $18 million this year. He continued to be an interior defensive line stalwart for Tampa in 2025 in his eighth year in the league, recording 34 tackles (16 solo), 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in 17 starts. Vea also played in 760 defensive snaps last year, which were the second-most of his career. He was a hold-in during mandatory minicamp and will likely do the same for the start of training camp this week with the Buccaneers as he continues to push for a new contract.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Micah Parsons Heading for the PUP List to Begin Training Camp
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee) is likely to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp on Tuesday, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The Packers will hold their first camp practice on Wednesday, but Parsons expectedly won't be on the field with them. Parsons suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee in late December of last year against the Denver Broncos. Given the timing of his injury late last year, the expectation is that Parsons won't make his 2026 season debut before October. The Packers' defense wasn't the same to close out last season after Parsons injured his knee, so they'll be more vulnerable again early in 2026 if he's not ready to return for the season opener in early September. The 27-year-old five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year is a game-changer on defense when he's healthy, having recorded at least 12 sacks in all five of his NFL seasons. Even though Parsons isn't expected to be ready for Week 1, he'll be in play to be stashed in IDP fantasy formats.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Cody Bellinger Expected to Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hamstring Strain
New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strained left hamstring and is expected to miss four to six weeks, manager Aaron Boone told Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Bellinger injured his hamstring in Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies and was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday. The 31-year-old former MVP and three-time All-Star won't be back anytime soon, but he's stash-worthy in all fantasy leagues until he fully recovers. The Yankees still have outfielders Aaron Judge (ribs) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) on the IL as well, so rookie outfielder Spencer Jones was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre again on Sunday, and he will see regular playing time against right-handed pitchers in New York's outfield going forward. Bellinger was an All-Star in 2026 for the third time in his career (first with the Yankees) and is currently slashing .259/.350/.420 with a .770 OPS, 11 home runs, 53 RBI, 52 runs scored, and 10 steals across 102 games and 434 plate appearances.
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Shea Langeliers to Have Knee Surgery on Tuesday
Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (knee) was seen by Dr. Banffy in Los Angeles on Monday, and he recommended surgery for Langeliers' torn meniscus in his right knee. He will undergo surgery on Tuesday morning, which is likely to be season-ending. The news of Langeliers' torn meniscus surfaced on Sunday. The A's haven't announced anything officially that the 28-year-old backstop is out for the year, but that's the likely outcome, especially with the A's currently sitting nine games back of the final American League wild-card spot entering a new week. It's a tough blow for the A's and Langeliers' fantasy manager, as he has once again been one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball in 2026. In 93 games and 416 plate appearances before injuring his knee, Langeliers hit .263/.332/.497 with an .829 OPS, 23 home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs scored, and two stolen bases. With Langeliers likely out for the rest of the year, the lefty-hitting Jonah Heim will now step in and take over as the A's primary catcher down the stretch.
Source: Inside the A's - Jason Burke
Source: Inside the A's - Jason Burke
Juan Soto Says He's "100 Percent" Will Play Again This Year
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) said he's "100%" expects to play again this year, according to Chelsea Janes of SNY. Soto added that he thinks he's young enough to recover quickly while taking things day to day after the Mets placed him on the 10-day injured list over the weekend due to a Grade 2 strained left calf. The 27-year-old Dominican and five-time All-Star doesn't have a clear timetable for a return, though, so fantasy managers are going to have to be patient with the left-handed slugger as we head into August this weekend. At the very least, Soto is expected to miss three weeks of action after also spending time on the IL in the first half of the season with a right-calf strain. Until he can return, rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing is expected to be New York's primary left fielder. Soto has missed time this year due to injury, but when healthy, he has been his typical high-end fantasy self, slashing .283/.408/.539 with a .947 OPS, 21 home runs, 52 RBI, 46 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across his 293 at-bats. Keep him stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues, even though it might not be until late August when Soto is back.
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Packers Place Tucker Kraft on PUP List to Start Training Camp
The Green Bay Packers placed tight ends Tucker Kraft (knee) and Luke Musgrave (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start training camp, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Kraft will open up the summer on the PUP list after suffering a torn ACL in his knee in Week 9 of last year, but all expectations are that he will be a full-go for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. The 25-year-old former third-rounder (78th overall) in the 2023 NFL draft from South Dakota State was among the best TEs in the league last year (his third in the league) before his season-ending knee injury, catching 32 of his 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight starts. The year prior, Kraft had a 50-707-7 line in 17 regular-season games for Green Bay. Despite Kraft returning from a major knee injury, RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 5 fantasy TE, behind only Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Colston Loveland, and Tyler Warren. With receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer in town, Kraft has a better path to more volume in the passing game in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Alec Pierce Begins Training Camp on PUP List
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Pierce can rejoin the rest of his teammates at any time in camp, but he's not ready to get back on the field just yet after having ankle surgery in March. The 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 from the University of Cincinnati is coming off a breakout year in 2025 with a 47-1,003-6 line in 15 games while leading the NFL in yards per catch (21.3) for the second straight season. Pierce is also in line to be Indy's clear WR1 in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, but his availability for Week 1 of the regular season is in question, which will keep his ADP low for now in fantasy football drafts. Right now, RotoBaller has Pierce ranked as the No. 39 fantasy WR for the upcoming season. The longer he takes to get back on the field to work with quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles), the more risky he'll become in fantasy drafts as a WR2 going into his fifth year in the league. Josh Downs figures to be the Colts' top wideout in camp while Pierce is sidelined.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Colson Montgomery Returning From Shin Injury on Monday
Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery (shin) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the White Sox in Monday's series opener at home against the visiting New York Yankees and left-hander Max Fried, per MLB.com. Montgomery missed Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros after fouling a ball off his right shin again on Saturday, but he's back in action after a day off and will have a tough matchup against the lefty Fried, whom he has gone 2-for-3 against in his career. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2021 is one of the best young power bats in baseball, although he strikes out 31.9% of the time and is batting just .218 (80-for-367) on the year. Montgomery has actually hit better against lefties in 2026, going 29-for-114 (.254) against them with eight of his 24 home runs on the season, but he has also struggled to a .206 average (14-for-68) with a .614 OPS, three homers, two doubles, 10 RBI, eight runs scored, four walks, and 23 strikeouts in 17 games so far in July. DFS managers should definitely be looking to fade Montgomery for Monday's matchup against Fried.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Geno Smith Remains a Superflex-Only Option
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has the job. The fantasy ceiling is another question. Smith completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns in Las Vegas last season, but he also led the NFL with 17 interceptions and was sacked 55 times across 15 starts. The Jets are giving him a different setup. Four starting offensive linemen return, and Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Adonai Mitchell, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr. give the offense several ways to move the ball. Aaron Glenn has already made it clear Smith will start, so volume should be there. His legs probably will not add much. Smith managed 109 rushing yards without a touchdown in 2025 and is now 35. RotoBaller ranks him QB31 for redraft and QB38 in dynasty. That makes him useful as a third quarterback in Superflex leagues, especially when the matchup is right. One-quarterback managers can wait. Smith would need a sharp passing rebound to become more than a streamer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Tolbert Worth Watching in Deeper Redraft Leagues
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jalen Tolbert has a real chance to earn snaps, but he still has to separate from one of the league's least settled receiver rooms. His final season in Dallas ended with 18 catches for 203 yards and one touchdown across 13 games. The better case comes from 2024, when Tolbert posted 49 receptions for 610 yards and seven scores. Miami gave him regular work throughout minicamp. He produced a gain of at least 15 yards on the opening day, caught intermediate throws during the second practice, and found the end zone on Day 3. Malik Washington and Tutu Atwell were involved as well, while rookies Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman Jr. give the Dolphins several other options. The move to Malik Willis also leaves this passing game with plenty to prove. RotoBaller ranks Tolbert WR89 in PPR leagues. He is worth monitoring in deeper formats because the depth chart is open, but standard-league managers can wait until training camp reveals whether his spring involvement turns into a real role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
